GB Open Futsal loss is 'nerves'

Team GB open futsal manager Keith Herman believes that nerves played a part in his team's demise as they failed to claim a win in any of their first three matches.

Wednesday's 6-2 defeat against an Israel team ranked in the world's top 30 was the final straw following a 3-3 draw against Spain followed by a 5-2 defeat against Australia.

Israel opened the scoring inside 10 seconds and despite having a player sinbinned for a headbutt on James Steele, they roared into a 6-0 lead. The result could have been even worse were in not for the brilliance of keeper Jared Cohen.

Steve Weston, a full England futsal international, grabbed two consolations goals. The first game courtesy of a backheeled pass from Yoav Lebens. The second was an effort from inside his own half after the Israel keeper went walkabout.

Herman said: "We came here to win but didn't as we found ourselves in a very hard group. We're very disappointed, not about today's result because we were never going to win today. We didn't turn up in the first two games and it's very frustrating as we trained hard for 19 months in the build up to the Maccabiah.

"I feel that we came of age today but it still hurts to lose. They are all very good players. As a group they put everything in it and we hope to get a bit of pride back in our last game."

Talking about two-goal man Steve Weston, Herman said: "I want to thank The JC for putting me in touch with him. He's a great player and was a great find."

They complete the group stage against Lithuania before playing in a playoff to decide their finishing position.